I think what Diversification is suggesting has merit. Vertical Load attenuation by Arm 36 (g) is accomplished by "snubbing" tension between the Pivot Sheath and the Vertical Aft Spar (not seen) in the Vertical Stabiliser. The "Lobe" (tip) of the Arm is missing. It has escaped from underneath the shoulder of the "thru-bolt" securing (both) VA assemblies.
It has done this without evidence that the Bolt's seat upon the remainder of the starboard ARM has been disturbed (by observation). To do this, the tip will have had to have been loaded by the Bolt, whose appearance disavows any lateral movement. An alternate explanation would be perhaps that the Rudder was exposed to Load, and thence severe vibration, such that the tip was ejected by the remaining mount structure (Barrel, Bolt, Arm), under stress. This would suggest the Arm had been degraded in some way, weakening the attachment at the lobe. Corrosion would be an obvious precursor.
Further, consonant with vibration of the Rudder, an alternate compression as a partner to the loss of the Arm tip. Vibration? Not unusual, but without degradation of the Arm's tip, it will have had to have been a result of severe and un-engineered for (catastrophic) stress. Flutter comes to mind, or rapid cycling control inputs, either pilot induced or a/p.
This (potential) vibration would go some way to explain the loss of skin and ribs at the base of the Rudder. Aerodynamic in nature rather than impact related. It would also account for the undisturbed hinges and their mounting. These "plates", each a pair bracketing the Rudders pivot, are not seen to be deformed, again suggesting that though a part of the Vertical was destroyed in Tension, there was insufficient "stretching" of the Pivot. One would expect a deformation downward in these plates, had there been enough movement in the vertical to fail the end of the ARM, absent the vibration or some other as yet not explained loading.
bear
Last edited by bearfoil; 13th Mar 2010 at 18:00.